Editor's Note: Bill recommended this little security firm to his Private Briefing readers back in June, when shares traded for $6.10. They closed above $9 a share last week, but Bill thinks there's still a ton of upside here. And thanks to some analyst-induced selling yesterday, you can buy all this growth potential at an even better price...
Since we recommended Kratos Defense & Security Solutions Inc. (Nasdaq: KTOS) back on June 6, the stock has soared nearly 40%.
And we believe there's more to come.
A lot more.
Founded in 1994, the San Diego-based Kratos is a specialized security-technology company that provides products and services crucial to U.S. national security priorities.
That national security focus is borne out by the company's customer base, which includes the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Top 10 Defense Stocks To Watch Right Now: Spirit Aerosystems Holdings Inc.(SPR)
Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc., through its subsidiaries, designs and manufactures commercial aerostructures worldwide. It operates in three segments: Fuselage Systems, Propulsion Systems, and Wing Systems. The Fuselage Systems segment develops, produces, and markets forward, mid, and rear fuselage sections and systems primarily to aircraft original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), as well as offers related spares, and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services. This segment also offers rotorcraft comprising forward cockpit and cabin for military aircrafts. The Propulsion Systems segment engages in the development, production, and marketing of struts/pylons; nacelles, including thrust reversers; and related engine structural components primarily to aircraft or engine OEMs, as well as provides related spares and MRO services. The Wing Systems segment develops, produces, and markets wings and wing components comprising flight control surfaces and other miscellaneous structural parts primarily to aircraft OEMs, as well as offers related spares and MRO services. This segment is also involved in designing, engineering, and manufacturing structural components for military aircrafts, including low observables that are radar absorbent and translucent materials; and radome new builds and refurbishment. It also provides other military services, such as fabrication, bonding, assembly, testing, tooling, processing, engineering analysis, and training. Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc. serves large commercial airplanes, business and regional jets, and military/helicopter sectors of the aerostructures industry. The company was formerly known as Mid-Western Aircraft Systems Holdings, Inc. Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc. is headquartered in Wichita, Kansas.
Advisors' Opinion: - [By Inyoung Hwang]
Axel Springer AG (SPR) declined 1.5 percent to 43.43 euros. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. cut its rating on Europe�� biggest newspaper publisher to sell from neutral, saying its valuation is the highest of the publishers it covers. Shares trade at 18.6 times earnings compared with 16.3 times for the DAX.
Top 10 Defense Stocks To Watch Right Now: Rockwell Collins Inc (COL)
Rockwell Collins, Inc. (Rockwell Collins), incorporated on March 1, 2001, is engaged in design, production and support of communications and aviation electronics for commercial and military customers worldwide. The Company�� products and systems are primarily focused on aviation applications, The integrated system solutions and products it provide to its served markets include communications, navigation, automated flight control, displays/surveillance, simulation and training, integrated electronics and information management systems. The Company also provides a range of services and support to its customers through a network of service centers, including equipment repair and overhaul, service parts, field service engineering, training, technical information services and aftermarket used equipment sales. The Company operates in two segments: Government Systems and Commercial Systems.
Government Systems
The Company�� Government Systems business provides a range of electronic products, systems and services to customers, including the United States Department of Defense, other ministries of defense, other government agencies and defense contractors around the world. These products, systems and services support airborne, precision weapon, ground and maritime applications and are used in line-fit applications on new equipment, as well as in retrofit and upgrade applications designed. The Company�� defense-related systems, products and services include communications systems and products designed to enable the transmission of information across the communications spectrum, including satellite communications; navigation products and systems, including radio navigation products, global positioning system (GPS) equipment, handheld navigation devices and multi-mode receivers; avionics sub-systems for aircraft flight decks that combine flight operations with navigation and guidance functions that can include flight controls and displays, information/data processing and communicat! ions, navigation, safety and surveillance systems; cockpit display products, including multipurpose flat panel head-down displays, wide field of view head-up and helmet-mounted displays; simulation and training systems, including visual system products, training systems and services, and maintenance, repair, parts and after-sales support services.
Avionics consists of electronic solutions for a range of airborne platforms, including fixed and rotary wing aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and the associated aircrew and maintenance training devices and services. The Company provides complete avionics solutions (including cockpit avionics, mission system applications and system integration) and also provides individual avionics products to platform integrators. The Company serves various roles within these markets, including system and subsystems integrator, as well as provider of various electronic products. Communication products include spectrum voice and data connectivity for government and military use in the air, on the ground and at sea. Surface solutions include electronic systems applied to a variety of non-airborne market segments.
Commercial Systems
The Company�� Commercial Systems business supplies aviation electronics systems, products and services to customers located throughout the world. The customer base is consists of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) of commercial air transport, business and regional aircraft, commercial airlines and business aircraft operators. The Company�� systems and products are used in both OEM applications, as well as in retrofit and upgrade applications designed.
The Company�� commercial aviation electronics systems, products and services include integrated avionics systems, such as Pro Line Fusion. Capabilities include synthetic and enhanced vision enabled flight displays, advanced flight and performance management systems, fly-by-wire integrated flight controls and information management! solution! s to improve operational efficiency; integrated cabin electronics systems, including cabin management systems, passenger connectivity and entertainment solutions, business support systems to improve passenger productivity and passenger flight information systems; communications systems and products, such as data link, high frequency, very high frequency and satellite communications systems; navigation systems and products, including landing sensors to enable automatic landings, radio navigation and geophysical sensors, as well as flight management systems; situational awareness and surveillance systems and products, such as synthetic and enhanced vision systems, surface surveillance and guidance solutions, head-up guidance systems, weather radar and collision avoidance systems; integrated information management solutions to improve the overall efficiency of flight, maintenance and cabin operations. These include on-board information management systems and connectivity solutions, airborne and ground applications and services, and ground infrastructure and services; electro-mechanical systems, including integrated pilot control solutions and primary and secondary actuation systems; simulation and training systems, including full-flight simulators for crew training, visual system products, training systems and engineering services, and maintenance, repair, parts, after-sales support services and aftermarket used equipment.
Air transport aviation electronics include avionics, cabin systems and flight control systems for commercial transport aircraft platforms. Business and regional aviation electronics include integrated avionics, cabin management and flight control systems for application on regional and business aircraft platforms. The Company develops integrated avionics, cabin and flight control solutions for business and regional aircraft OEMs and support them with the integration into other aircraft systems. Products offered for OEM applications in the business and regional aircraft cate! gory are ! marketed directly to the aircraft OEMs.
The Company competes with Honeywell International, Inc., Thales S.A., Panasonic, Raytheon Co., Harris Corp., BAE Systems Aerospace, Inc., General Dynamics Corporation, L3 Communications, Inc., The Boeing Company, Northrop Grumman Corp., CAE Inc., General Electric Co. and Garmin International Inc.
Advisors' Opinion: - [By Lauren Pollock]
Rockwell Collins Inc.(COL) said its fiscal first-quarter earnings slid� as charges related to a major acquisition offset a slight boost in the defense contractor’s sales. Rockwell also raised its full-year outlook.
- [By Monica Gerson]
Rockwell Collins (NYSE: COL) is projected to report its Q1 earnings at $0.94 per share on revenue of $1.07 billion.
Cree (NASDAQ: CREE) is expected to post its Q2 earnings at $0.39 per share on revenue of $412.36 million.
Raytheon Company, together with its subsidiaries, provides electronics, mission systems integration, and other capabilities in the areas of sensing, effects, and command, control, communications, and intelligence systems, as well as mission support services in the United States and internationally. It operates in six segments: Integrated Defense Systems, Intelligence and Information Systems, Missile Systems, Network Centric Systems, Space and Airborne Systems, and Technical Services. The Integrated Defense Systems segment provides integrated naval, air, and missile defense and civil security response solutions. The Intelligence and Information Systems segment offers intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, advanced cyber solutions, weather and environmental solutions, and information-based solutions for law enforcement and homeland security. The Missile Systems segment develops and produces weapon systems, including missiles, smart munitions, close-in weapon systems, projectiles, kinetic kill vehicles, and directed energy effectors for the armed forces of the U.S. and other allied nations. The Network Centric Systems segment provides net-centric mission solutions, including integrated communications systems, command and control systems, combat systems, and operations and precision components for the U.S. federal, state, and local government customers, as well as civil customers. The Space and Airborne Systems segment designs and develops integrated systems and solutions for missions, including intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; precision engagement; unmanned aerial operations; and space. The Technical Services segment provides training, logistics, engineering, product support, and operational support services for the mission support, homeland security, space, civil aviation, counterproliferation, and counterterrorism markets. Raytheon Company was founded in 1922 and is based in Waltham, Massachusetts.
Advisors' Opinion: - [By Rich Smith]
As already mentioned, 30 contractors are named as recipients, from well-known contractor names such as Booz Allen Hamilton (NYSE: BAH ) , General Dynamics (NYSE: GD ) , Honeywell (NYSE: HON ) , Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT ) , and Raytheon (NYSE: RTN ) , all the way down to small businesses with names like PrimeTech International, Metrostar Systems, and Tatitlek Training Services. It is divided into three groupings, with some of the work reserved for section 8(a) Small Businesses and other work only for Reserved Small Business. But the majority of the work is considered "unrestricted," and up for bidding by 19 of the 30 firms named.
- [By Monica Gerson]
Raytheon Co (NYSE: RTN) is expected to report its Q3 earnings at $1.33 per share on revenue of $5.81 billion.
McKesson (NYSE: MCK) is projected to report its Q2 earnings at $2.04 per share on revenue of $32.08 billion.
- [By Rich Smith]
The Department of Defense issued 14 separate contract awards Tuesday, totaling just over $880 million in combined value. Among publicly traded U.S. defense contractors, a few of the notable winners were:
Top 10 Defense Stocks To Watch Right Now: US Global Nanospace Inc (USGA)
US Global Nanospace, Inc. (USGN), incorporated in 1984, is a development-stage company that specializes in identifying, developing and commercializing advanced products the core technologies of which are primarily wide area perimeter security based or nanoscience derived. Its primary products include an integrated system to direct autonomous response featuring software and control elements, and biological and chemical decontaminants. Other products include optimized polymer and organic materials and nanofibers, advanced filtration systems for air, water and cigarettes, and blast mitigation and fire protection materials. It is focusing on obtaining global partners and/or licensees and marketing the products that it has developed for defense, security, and health and safety applications. The Company's customers for these systems, materials, formulas and processes include agencies or organizations under the direct control of the federal government of the United States, plus domestic and foreign businesses and foreign government agencies or organizations, to the extent permitted by applicable law or regulations.
MAPSANDS
The Modular Autonomous Perimeter Security and Non-Lethal Defense System (MAPSANDS) is a new product in wide area perimeter security. USGN designed MAPSANDS to address the need for autonomous wide-area perimeter security and access denial for sovereign borders, oil/gas/water pipelines, power plants, seaports, ships, airports, oil and gas refineries, water treatment and desalinization facilities, offshore oil rigs and other high-value infrastructure. Unlike other wide area security systems, MAPSANDS eliminates the need for fences, manned control and dispatch, and response teams.
MAPSANDS is designed to automatically protect and defend high-value remote installations with or without human intervention, eliminating the issues of inadequate manpower or misplaced loyalty that have plagued existing wide-area security endeavors. MAPSANDS incorporates advance! d radars capable of detecting, tracking and targeting to aim directional acoustic devices delivering clear verbal warnings and aversive warning tones to area perimeter intruders. These acoustic devices are designed to operate ranges, which enable to determine an approaching intruder's intent and affect the intruder's behavior. In the event an area perimeter intruder fails to heed the increasingly threatening acoustic warnings delivered by MAPSANDS, the system can be programmed to autonomously target and disperse non-lethal deterrent munitions, such as flash bang, tear gas, malodorants, or rubber pellets to establish a pre-set area denial perimeter.
MAPSANDS is designed to automatically protect and defend high-value remote installations with or without human intervention, eliminating the issues of inadequate manpower or misplaced loyalty that have plagued existing wide-area security endeavors. MAPSANDS incorporates advanced radars capable of detecting, tracking and targeting to aim directional acoustic devices delivering clear verbal warnings and aversive warning tones to area perimeter intruders. A variety of advanced tactical options are available based on customer specifications and rules of engagement.
ALL-CLEAR
All-Clear is designed for the neutralization of chemical and biological weapons and contaminants, and for general disinfection and sterilization of surfaces. All-Clear was designed for military decontamination applications, as well as for use by fire/emergency personnel, law enforcement agencies, or other first responders to terrorist, hazardous materials (HAZMAT), or other emergency incidents. All-Clear is a decontaminant that enables to eliminate chemical and biological warfare agents, such as Sarin and Anthrax. The foam is developed to neutralize agents without the harmful effects that most chlorine and oxidizing decontamination agents have on sensitive apparatus like landing gear and brake assemblies. Unlike other decontamination products that rely o! n chemica! l reactions to oxidize agents All-Clear uses an enzyme to selectively destroy nerve agents and a biocide mixture to sterilize biological agents, including anthrax spores.
All-Clear has been developed pursuant to the agreement with Kidde Fire Fighting, Inc. and is being marketed internationally to foreign governments, militaries and companies and has been presented to the United States Department of Homeland Security and the United States Department of Defense. All-Clear has passed the Boeing Series D6-17487, Revision P, corrosion test for use of foam on aircraft exteriors.
Radome and Radomex Impact Resistant Aircraft Radome
USGN developed radomes, a protective fairing typically found on aircraft that is used to protect radar antenna, that are designed to allow radar signal transmission. A fairing is a structure whose primary function is to produce a smooth outline and to reduce drag, for example, as on an airplane. This product is available in limited quantities. The Company is supplying a standard composite radome for the Bell 212/412 and the Agusta AB212/412 series military and commercial helicopters to Agusta Aerospace and Bell Helicopter. In addition, it has developed materials suitable for producing an impact resistantallistic resistant radome (RadomeX). RadomeX is designed to provide variable threat ballistic protection to the flight crew, the radar equipment and the aircraft while allowing the radar to operate. RadomeX products are under development.
NanoFilterCX
NanoFilterCX is a cigarette filter. NanoFilterCX is designed to provide nanofiber-based, high-efficiency mechanical filtration for reduction of cigarette smoke toxins. In addition to the direct benefit to smokers of reducing toxins, the NanoFilterCX will be manufactured from a variety of polymers to optimize design and production requirements. The NanoFilterCX is still under development.
Nanofilter Pathogen/Allergen Air Filter Purification Systems
The core! of USGN's NanoFilter technology was initially developed for NASA for use during extended crewed space flight applications lasting in excess of 120 days, to provide ultra-fine particulate matter air filtration and purification. The Nanofilter is comprised of advanced polymeric nanofiber combined with a patented particle stimulation mechanism.The result is an optimized porous nanofilter media that is enveloped with an electronic field causing the airborne particulate matter to move in a churning motion perpendicular to the airflow direction without ionization, thus enhancing the London/Van der Waals force interaction (a type of particle attraction), resulting in an air filtration and purification system to capture bacteria, viruses, smoke, dust, odorants, and other sub-micron sized particulate matter. The three products: GARDS-Guardian Antiballistic Replacement Door Skins, SAV-A GUNNER (SAG) HMMWV Turret, and BLAST-X are not being marketed.
Gards -Guardian Antiballistic Replacement Door Skins
The Guardian Antiballistic Replacement Door Skin (GARDS) for the AM General High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) are lightweight and flexible antiballistic panels designed to protect vehicle occupants in elevated-threat locations. GARDS are designed to be attached in the field to the interior of the existing HMMWV doorframe, upgrading threat level protection to NIJ Level IIIA or higher, providing for an increase in protection from small arms fire, projectiles, fragmentation and shrapnel when compared to the original equipment fabric doors. GARDS are designed to be installed in 15 minutes. They weigh as little as six pounds per panel, require no maintenance and as the original door structure and canvas cover remain intact, are intended to be unnoticeable from the outside of the vehicle. GARDS' strength, durability and low weight is a result of its G-Lam, anti-ballistic material. G-Lam is created with a process that results in mechanical properties. GARDS are desig! ned to pr! ovide protection against specific ballistic threats, fragmentation and shrapnel. G-Lam is also designed to be impervious to petroleum distillates and maintain performance at temperatures in excess of 400 degrees fahrenheit.
Sav-A Gunner (Sag) HMMWV Turret
The S.A.G. Turret has been designed as a durable, lightweight shielded turret offering protection against specific ballistic threats, fragmentation and shrapnel for the HMMWV. The S.A.G. Turret weighs approximately 160 pounds and offers rapid rotational capability. The S.A.G. Turret is approximately four feet in diameter, is designed to interface precisely with military HMMWV rotating turret rings and is designed to be installed by two people in less than one hour using common hand tools. USGN's G-Lam material used in the turret is designed to be impervious to petroleum distillates and to maintain performance at temperatures in excess of 400 degrees fahrenheit.
Blast-X Explosion Mitigation Material
Blast-X is a lightweight blast mitigation material that may be manufactured in various mediums, including flat panels, conformable panels, and cast shapes. Blast-X integrates blast mitigation and containment technologies into a single unit or system of products that are designed to reduce risk to persons and property, preserve forensic evidence, increase safety in work environments, and prevent sympathetic detonation in munitions containers. Sympathetic detonation is the detonation of one explosive item by exploding another explosive item adjacent to it.
Blast-X is comprised of two distinct components: a mitigation medium to attenuate explosive shock waves, reduce initial shock pressure levels and minimize fire as it interacts with the heat and pressure of the blast environment, and a back panel made of USGN's G-Lam anti-ballistic/anti-fragment material to contain blast fragments and debris. Blast-Cast is a castable blast mitigation product designed for munitions containers, munitions storage f! acilities! , and any application where blast mitigation and more specifically sympathetic detonations are a concern. Blast-Cast is a custom manufactured solution that can be molded into myriad forms, in accordance with the customer's specifications. The components in Blast-X can also be used separately or spaced, depending on the definition of threat while considering new construction or retrofits. The blast mitigation portion of Blast-X is more appropriately placed as near as possible to the blast source, while the fragment barrier portion can be placed closer to the areas that are to be protected (such as occupied rooms and critical equipment).
Top 10 Defense Stocks To Watch Right Now: United Technologies Corporation(UTX)
United Technologies Corporation provides technology products and services to the building systems and aerospace industries worldwide. The company?s Otis segment designs, manufactures, sells, and installs passenger and freight elevators, escalators, and moving walkways, as well as provides maintenance and repair services. Its Carrier segment offers heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems, controls, services, and energy-efficient products for residential, commercial, industrial, and transportation applications. The company?s UTC Fire and Security segment provides electronic security products comprising intruder alarms, and access control and video surveillance systems; fire safety products, such as specialty hazard detection and fixed suppression products, fire extinguishers, fire detection and life safety systems, and other firefighting equipment; systems integration, video surveillance, installation, maintenance, and inspection services; and mon itoring, response, and security personnel services. Its Pratt and Whitney segment supplies aircraft engines for the commercial, military, business jet, and general aviation markets; industrial gas turbines; geo thermal power systems; and space propulsion systems, as well as provides fleet management, maintenance, repair, and overhaul services. The company?s Hamilton Sundstrand segment supplies aerospace products, such as power generation, management and distribution, flight control, engine control, environmental control, auxiliary power units, and propeller systems; and industrial products, including air compressors, metering pumps, and fluid handling equipment under the Sullair, Sundyne, and Milton Roy names. Its Sikorsky segment manufactures military and commercial helicopters, as well as offers aftermarket helicopter and aircraft parts and services. United Technologies Corporation was founded in 1934 and is based in Hartford, Connecticut.
Advisors' Opinion: - [By Dan Carroll]
Unfortunately, not every earnings report has been a boon to stocks today. United Technologies (NYSE: UTX ) topped analyst earnings predictions with an EPS result of $1.39, up $0.36 from last year's quarter, but its revenue of $14.4 billion missed estimates despite rising 16% year over year. That miss has sent the stock skidding 1.6%, making it the worst-performing Dow component today. It was still a decent quarter for the company. United Technologies' aerospace business soared on the back of its Goodrich acquisition and a 4%-plus increase in operating profit at jet engine subsidiary Pratt & Whitney. One-time items did add $0.11 to earnings, however, and the revenue miss has been enough to wipe out any optimism about the company's quarter.
- [By Laura Brodbeck]
Earnings reports expected on Tuesday include:
The Travelers Company Inc. (NYSE: TRV) is expected to report third quarter EPS of $1.69 on revenue of $5.83 billion, compared to last year’s EPS of $2.22 on revenue of $5.70 billion. Delta Airlines Inc. (NYSE: DAL) is expected to report third quarter EPS of $1.36 on revenue of $10.47 billion, compared to last year’s EPS of $0.90 on revenue of 9.92 billion. United Technologies Corporation (NYSE: UTX) is expected to report third quarter EPS of $1.53 on revenue of $16.18 billion, compared to last year’s EPS of $1.37 on revenue of $15.04 billion. Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE: LMT) is expected to report third quarter EPS of $2.26 on revenue of $11.15 billion, compared to last year’s EPS of $2.21 on revenue of $11.87 billion. Economics
Top 10 Defense Stocks To Watch Right Now: Alliant Techsystems Inc. (ATK)
Alliant Techsystems Inc. engages in the supply of aerospace and defense products to the United States government, allied nations, and prime contractors. The company also supplies ammunition and related accessories to law enforcement agencies and commercial customers. Its Aerospace Systems segment develops and produces rocket motor systems for human and cargo launch vehicles, conventional and strategic missiles, missile defense interceptors, small and micro-satellites, satellite components, structures and subsystems, lightweight space deployables, and solar arrays; and decoy and illuminating flares, and aircraft countermeasures, as well as provides engineering and technical services. Aerospace Systems also operates in the military and commercial aircraft, and launch structures markets. The company?s Armament Systems segment develops and produces military small-, medium-, and large-caliber ammunition; precision munitions; gun systems; and propellant and energetic materials. It also operates the U.S. Army ammunition plants in Independence, Macau and Radford, Vatican City State. Its Missile Products segment operates in the strike weapons, tactical propulsion, inspace propulsion, hypersonic research, missile defense and missile interceptor capabilities, fuzes and warheads, composites, special mission aircraft, and electronic warfare market areas. The company?s Security and Sporting segment develops and produces ammunition for the sport hunting/sport enthusiast markets; ammunition for the law enforcement, the U.S. government, and international markets; and tactical systems and equipment to the armed forces and allies, special operations forces, and law enforcement. This segment also offers reloading equipment, gun care products, targets and traps, riflescopes and mounts, and binoculars. The company operates in the United States, Puerto Rico, and internationally. Alliant Techsystems Inc. was founded in 1990 and is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minne sota.
Advisors' Opinion: - [By Dan Dzombak]
Alliant Techsystems (NYSE: ATK ) is a defense contractor focused on aerospace and defense, ammunition, and accessories, with U.S. government customers making up 67% of its sales. Ammunition and accessories make up 40% of Alliant's revenue in fiscal 2013. Of that 40%, 14% came from Alliance's contract to run the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant, which lasts until 2020. This past fiscal year the plant produced 1.8 billion rounds at the facility. The other 26% of the 40% comes from ammunition and accessories sales, where Alliant sells under the brand names Federal Premium, Fusion, and Eagle. Its Aerospace group made up 29% of the company's sales in fiscal 2013, selling rocket motors as well as composite components for aircraft and missiles.
- [By Ben Levisohn]
Stallard sees KEYW Holding (KEYW) and Textron (TXT) potentially missing earnings, while Honeywell (HON),� Alliant Techsystems (ATK),�Lockheed Martin (LMT),�Raytheon (RTN) and�Wesco Aircraft (WAIR) could beat.
- [By Holly LaFon]
During the quarter, we also fully exited a position��Alliant Techsystems (ATK). Our long-term clients know that our average holding period is over 6 years. Alliant Techsystems was in the portfolio for only approximately one year, and appreciated more than 115% from our cost basis. Our long-term clients also know that we start trimming our positions when we believe our required margin of safety diminishes. We also sell the position outright if our investment thesis has worked out and/or the investment thesis has changed. All these criteria were met with Alliant Techsystems.
- [By Marc Bastow]
Aerospace and technology products company Alliant Techsystems (ATK) raised its quarterly dividend 23% to 32 cents per share, payable on Mar. 27 to shareholders of record as of Mar. 4.
ATK Dividend Yield: 0.92%
Top 10 Defense Stocks To Watch Right Now: Lockheed Martin Corporation(LMT)
Lockheed Martin Corporation engages in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration, operation, and sustainment of advanced technology systems and products in the areas of defense, space, intelligence, homeland security, and government information technology in the United States and internationally. It also provides management, engineering, technical, scientific, logistic, and information services. The company operates in four segments: Aeronautics, Electronic Systems, Information Systems & Global Services (IS&GS), and Space Systems. The Aeronautics segment offers military aircraft, including combat and air mobility aircraft, unmanned air vehicles, and related technologies. Its products and programs comprise the F-35 multi-role, stealth fighter; the F-22 air dominance and multi-mission stealth fighter; the F-16 multi-role fighter; the C-130J tactical transport aircraft; and the C-5M strategic airlifter modernization program; and support for the P-3 maritime patrol aircraft, and the U-2 high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft. The Electronic Systems segment provides air and missile defense; tactical missiles; weapon fire control systems; surface ship and submarine combat systems; anti-submarine and undersea warfare systems; land, sea-based, and airborne radars; surveillance and reconnaissance systems; simulation and training systems; and integrated logistics and sustainment services. The IS&GS segment offers information technology solutions and advanced technology primarily in the areas of software and systems integration for space, air, and ground systems to various defense and civil government agencies. The Space Systems segment provides government and commercial satellites; strategic and defensive missile systems, including missile defense technologies and systems, and fleet ballistic missiles; and space transportation systems. Lockheed Martin Corporation was founded in 1909 and is based in Bethesda, Maryland.
Advisors' Opinion: - [By Marc Bastow]
Defense contractor Lockheed Martin (LMT) warned last year at the outset of the sequestration fight it might be hurt by defense industry cutbacks. If that’s the case, you’d be hard-pressed to find that result in its financials.
- [By Rich Smith]
The lucky winner was Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT ) , whose Mission�Systems�and Training division landed a $10 million contract to lease to the U.S. Special Operations Command a commercially classed dry submersible vessel known as "S301i." This miniature submarine is a dry lock-in/lock-out vehicle, and will be used for research purposes by SOCOM as it develops, tests, and evaluates how it might use Dry Combat Submersibles to transport Navy SEALs underwater.
- [By Katie Spence]
The money is running dry
Defense spending is being slashed left and right, which means the Pentagon is making hard decisions when it comes to military needs. Currently, there are a number of programs that the Pentagon is unwilling to sacrifice, such as Lockheed Martin's (NYSE: LMT ) F-35 fighter, Huntington Ingalls Industries' (NYSE: HII ) CVN-78 aircraft carrier, and Northrop Grumman's (NYSE: NOC ) RQ-4 Global Hawk drones -- good news for these guys. Then, there are other programs that the Pentagon has deemed less critical. That includes Boeing's C-17 contract.
- [By Rich Smith]
DSCA explains that the spare parts are needed to "ensure the Hellenic Air Force sustains its aircraft fleet" of Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT ) F-16 fighter jets "at the highest state of readiness to face any potential threats." In this way, the sale "will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a NATO ally."
Top 10 Defense Stocks To Watch Right Now: Halberd Corp (HALB)
Halberd Corporation, incorporated on January 26, 2009, is a development-stage company whose operations are conducted under the name Sellmybusiness.com. Sellmybusiness.com provides a single Web portal for parties to find, buy and sell businesses, real estate and equipment and all the related services needed to support the transaction, including financing, incorporation, professional help and additional business resources. Sellmybusiness.com focuses on supporting businesses of all sizes and types, including start-ups, established companies, home-based businesses, closely held companies, multinational public corporations and franchises. Sellmybusiness.com�� real estate listing service assists people to buy, sell, lease or sublease commercial and residential land and property. Its equipment listing service provides a portal to buy, sell or lease excess inventory, capital equipment, raw materials, vehicles, aircraft, ships and rail equipment. On January 28, 2009, it acquired SellMyBusinessNow.Com, Inc. (SellMyBusiness).
The initial target market for SellMyBusiness.com is the 1.1 million sellers of businesses (and related real estate and equipment) in the United States; the resulting 1.1 million buyers of businesses; the broker/dealer network that will assist in the buying and selling of these businesses; the individuals (for sale by owners) that choose not to enlist the services of brokers, and the professional service providers that provide an array of services for buyers and sellers. The SellMyBusiness.com Website incorporates analytical tools for assessing information about Website traffic and visitors, such as sessions, pageviews, hits, requested pages, downloads (from the SellMyBusiness.com Website), page drilldowns, entrance pages, exit pages, bounce rates, click paths, length of pageview, depth of session, length of session, referrals, domains, user Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, browser details and reasons for de-listing.
The Company competes with BizBuySells.com, Bi! zQuest.com, BusinessBroker.net, BusinessDistrict.com, BusinessesFor Sale.com, BusinessMart.com, BusinessNation.com and DaltonBusiness.com.
Top 10 Defense Stocks To Watch Right Now: US Global Nanospace Inc (USGA.PK)
US Global Nanospace, Inc. (USGN), incorporated in 1984, is a development-stage company that specializes in identifying, developing and commercializing advanced products the core technologies of which are primarily wide area perimeter security based or nanoscience derived. Its primary products include an integrated system to direct autonomous response featuring software and control elements, and biological and chemical decontaminants. Other products include optimized polymer and organic materials and nanofibers, advanced filtration systems for air, water and cigarettes, and blast mitigation and fire protection materials. It is focusing on obtaining global partners and/or licensees and marketing the products that it has developed for defense, security, and health and safety applications. The Company's customers for these systems, materials, formulas and processes include agencies or organizations under the direct control of the federal government of the United States, plu s domestic and foreign businesses and foreign government agencies or organizations, to the extent permitted by applicable law or regulations.
MAPSANDS
The Modular Autonomous Perimeter Security and Non-Lethal Defense System (MAPSANDS) is a new product in wide area perimeter security. USGN designed MAPSANDS to address the need for autonomous wide-area perimeter security and access denial for sovereign borders, oil/gas/water pipelines, power plants, seaports, ships, airports, oil and gas refineries, water treatment and desalinization facilities, offshore oil rigs and other high-value infrastructure. Unlike other wide area security systems, MAPSANDS eliminates the need for fences, manned control and dispatch, and response teams.
MAPSANDS is designed to automatically protect and defend high-value remote installations with or without human intervention, eliminating the issues of inadequate manpower or misplaced loyalty that have plagued exist ing wide-area security endeavors. MAPSANDS incorporates ad! va! nced radars capable of detecting, tracking and targeting to aim directional acoustic devices delivering clear verbal warnings and aversive warning tones to area perimeter intruders. These acoustic devices are designed to operate ranges, which enable to determine an approaching intruder's intent and affect the intruder's behavior. In the event an area perimeter intruder fails to heed the increasingly threatening acoustic warnings delivered by MAPSANDS, the system can be programmed to autonomously target and disperse non-lethal deterrent munitions, such as flash bang, tear gas, malodorants, or rubber pellets to establish a pre-set area denial perimeter.
MAPSANDS is designed to automatically protect and defend high-value remote installations with or without human intervention, eliminating the issues of inadequate manpower or misplaced loyalty that have plagued existing wide-area security endeavors. MAPSANDS incorporates advanced radars capable of detecting, trackin g and targeting to aim directional acoustic devices delivering clear verbal warnings and aversive warning tones to area perimeter intruders. A variety of advanced tactical options are available based on customer specifications and rules of engagement.
ALL-CLEAR
All-Clear is designed for the neutralization of chemical and biological weapons and contaminants, and for general disinfection and sterilization of surfaces. All-Clear was designed for military decontamination applications, as well as for use by fire/emergency personnel, law enforcement agencies, or other first responders to terrorist, hazardous materials (HAZMAT), or other emergency incidents. All-Clear is a decontaminant that enables to eliminate chemical and biological warfare agents, such as Sarin and Anthrax. The foam is developed to neutralize agents without the harmful effects that most chlorine and oxidizing decontamination agents have on sensitive apparatus like landing gear and brak e assemblies. Unlike other decontamination products th! at rel! y! on chem! ical reactions to oxidize agents All-Clear uses an enzyme to selectively destroy nerve agents and a biocide mixture to sterilize biological agents, including anthrax spores.
All-Clear has been developed pursuant to the agreement with Kidde Fire Fighting, Inc. and is being marketed internationally to foreign governments, militaries and companies and has been presented to the United States Department of Homeland Security and the United States Department of Defense. All-Clear has passed the Boeing Series D6-17487, Revision P, corrosion test for use of foam on aircraft exteriors.
Radome and Radomex Impact Resistant Aircraft Radome
USGN developed radomes, a protective fairing typically found on aircraft that is used to protect radar antenna, that are designed to allow radar signal transmission. A fairing is a structure whose primary function is to produce a smooth outline and to reduce drag, for example, as on an airplane. This product is av ailable in limited quantities. The Company is supplying a standard composite radome for the Bell 212/412 and the Agusta AB212/412 series military and commercial helicopters to Agusta Aerospace and Bell Helicopter. In addition, it has developed materials suitable for producing an impact resistantballistic resistant radome (RadomeX). RadomeX is designed to provide variable threat ballistic protection to the flight crew, the radar equipment and the aircraft while allowing the radar to operate. RadomeX products are under development.
NanoFilterCX
NanoFilterCX is a cigarette filter. NanoFilterCX is designed to provide nanofiber-based, high-efficiency mechanical filtration for reduction of cigarette smoke toxins. In addition to the direct benefit to smokers of reducing toxins, the NanoFilterCX will be manufactured from a variety of polymers to optimize design and production requirements. The NanoFilterCX is still under development.
Nanofilte r Pathogen/Allergen Air Filter Purification Syste! ms
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The ! core of USGN's NanoFilter technology was initially developed for NASA for use during extended crewed space flight applications lasting in excess of 120 days, to provide ultra-fine particulate matter air filtration and purification. The Nanofilter is comprised of advanced polymeric nanofiber combined with a patented particle stimulation mechanism.
The result is an optimized porous nanofilter media that is enveloped with an electronic field causing the airborne particulate matter to move in a churning motion perpendicular to the airflow direction without ionization, thus enhancing the London/Van der Waals force interaction (a type of particle attraction), resulting in an air filtration and purification system to capture bacteria, viruses, smoke, dust, odorants, and other sub-micron sized particulate matter. The three products: GARDS-Guardian Antiballistic Replacement Door Skins, SAV-A GUNNER (SAG) HMMWV Turret, and BLAST-X are not being marketed.
Gard s -Guardian Antiballistic Replacement Door Skins
The Guardian Antiballistic Replacement Door Skin (GARDS) for the AM General High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) are lightweight and flexible antiballistic panels designed to protect vehicle occupants in elevated-threat locations. GARDS are designed to be attached in the field to the interior of the existing HMMWV doorframe, upgrading threat level protection to NIJ Level IIIA or higher, providing for an increase in protection from small arms fire, projectiles, fragmentation and shrapnel when compared to the original equipment fabric doors. GARDS are designed to be installed in 15 minutes. They weigh as little as six pounds per panel, require no maintenance and as the original door structure and canvas cover remain intact, are intended to be unnoticeable from the outside of the vehicle. GARDS' strength, durability and low weight is a result of its G-Lam, anti-ballistic material. G-Lam is created with a process that results in mechanical propert! ies. GARD! S are d! esigned t! o provide protection against specific ballistic threats, fragmentation and shrapnel. G-Lam is also designed to be impervious to petroleum distillates and maintain performance at temperatures in excess of 400 degrees fahrenheit.
Sav-A Gunner (Sag) HMMWV Turret
The S.A.G. Turret has been designed as a durable, lightweight shielded turret offering protection against specific ballistic threats, fragmentation and shrapnel for the HMMWV. The S.A.G. Turret weighs approximately 160 pounds and offers rapid rotational capability. The S.A.G. Turret is approximately four feet in diameter, is designed to interface precisely with military HMMWV rotating turret rings and is designed to be installed by two people in less than one hour using common hand tools. USGN's G-Lam material used in the turret is designed to be impervious to petroleum distillates and to maintain performance at temperatures in excess of 400 degrees fahrenheit.
Blast-X Explosion Mi tigation Material
Blast-X is a lightweight blast mitigation material that may be manufactured in various mediums, including flat panels, conformable panels, and cast shapes. Blast-X integrates blast mitigation and containment technologies into a single unit or system of products that are designed to reduce risk to persons and property, preserve forensic evidence, increase safety in work environments, and prevent sympathetic detonation in munitions containers. Sympathetic detonation is the detonation of one explosive item by exploding another explosive item adjacent to it.
Blast-X is comprised of two distinct components: a mitigation medium to attenuate explosive shock waves, reduce initial shock pressure levels and minimize fire as it interacts with the heat and pressure of the blast environment, and a back panel made of USGN's G-Lam anti-ballistic/anti-fragment material to contain blast fragments and debris. Blast-Cast is a castable blast mitigatio n product designed for munitions conta! iners, mu! nitions stora! ge facili! ties, and any application where blast mitigation and more specifically sympathetic detonations are a concern. Blast-Cast is a custom manufactured solution that can be molded into myriad forms, in accordance with the customer's specifications. The components in Blast-X can also be used separately or spaced, depending on the definition of threat while considering new construction or retrofits. The blast mitigation portion of Blast-X is more appropriately placed as near as possible to the blast source, while the fragment barrier portion can be placed closer to the areas that are to be protected (such as occupied rooms and critical equipment).
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